The blade runner, who is accused of murdering girlfriend Reeve Steenkamp, is said to have dropped the "baton of truth" as he gave evidence throughout his five-month long trial.

In his closing statement, Gerrie Nel, known as the 'Pitbull' prosecutor, told the high court in Pretoria that if Mr Pistorius' account of the events is true, "he cannot escape" conviction for murdering with intent.

The Olympic champion is alleged to have shot Reeva through his toilet door, killing her instantly on February 14 last year.

He admits killing her but denies murder, claiming he thought she was a burglar.

Mr Nel said: "He had to put himself in the bedroom ... He had to create time for the deceased to get to the toilet.

He said that Pistorius "made up his mind" to find his gun, walk through to the bathroom and shoot.

"That, my lady, is pre-planning," Mr Nel told the judge.

PROSECUTOR: Gerrie Nel has pointed the finger at Pistorius for lying [AP]

“That, my lady, is pre-planning”

Gerrie Nel

Mr Nel said Pistorius' belief that there was a dangerous intruder hiding in his bathroom was "absolutely devoid of any truth."

And added that Pistorius' persistent lying had created a "snowball effect" and even forced him to lie more.

For the first time during his trial, Pistorius' dad Henke, and Steenkamp's father Barry were in the courtroom, sitting at opposite ends of the bench.